Moni Preveli is the richest and the most influential monastery on Crete built on a rockypromontory at the height of almost 200 m, with monks living there till nowadays. The monastery complex was built already during the Turkish occupation. It is not a defence building but with its massive walls, it played a significant role of defence against the Turkish during the 18th and 19th century. The monastery was also important during the World War II when the monks were hiding there hundreds of English, Australian and New Zealand soldiers from the German occupiers. In the chapel of the monastery, there should be a big golden cross that the Germans didn´t manage to steal; but the chapel isn´t open for the public. The monastery has undergone vast restoration and you will also find a museum with a collection of rare icons and relics. The paths leading to the monastery finishes right there and above the sea, there is a monument built as a tribute to the monks for their heroism during the World War II.